Manipur on Friday paid rich homage to the heroes of last war of independence fought between warriors of the then princely state and the British Army at Kheba Hill in Thoubal district of Manipur on April 23 in 1891 which is observed as Khongjom Day every year in the state. Manipur governor, Gurbachan Jagat, chief minister, O Ibobi led the ministers, MLAs and civil and police officers of the state in paying homage to the soldiers of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Manipur’s freedom in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. On arrival of the governor and chief minister at the Khongjom war memorial complex, floral tributes were offered by all dignitaries at the war memorial and Paona Brajabasi memorial site. A ceremonial offering of tarpan or offering flowers in the water body was also held at the bank of the Khongjom river which runs beside the memorial. Hundreds of common people also took part in the offering of floral tributes and tarpan ceremony. Speaking at the gathering at the Khongjom War auditorium, Gurbachan Jagat recalled the unconquerable spirit and patriotism of the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur war, stating that it would not only remain a part of glorious history, but was also a unique example of patriotism in world history. While paying homage to the patriots of Manipur, Gurbachan also remembered innumerable freedom fighters who made the selfless supreme sacrifice for the sake of freedom from the British in different parts of the vast sub-continent. The Governor, who remarked that freedom should not be misinterpreted in the narrow sense of separatist tendency, said any threats or challenge to the freedom of the country and the nation has to be faced collectively and boldly. On the occasion, he also urged to rejuvenate pledge to preserve and protect the sovereignty, unity, integrity, and independence of the country. Chief minister Ibobi, in his address, observed, `we will be paying the real tributes to our brave forefather freedom fighters when we perform our duty to bring forward our state. We should protect the freedom and sovereignty of the state within the Indian Union.” The Khongjom battle was a day-long battle between the British and Manipuri warriors led by major general Paona Brajabashi. Alongside Paona, Khumbong Major, Heirang Khongja and Chinglensana many Manipuris laid down their lives in the battle which also marked the beginning of British rule in Manipur. The day was observed at many other places organised by different social organisations. Blood donation camps were held to mark the occasion.